The Orthodox Mission
of the Entrance
of the Theotokos Into the Temple
306 W. Main Street
Emmitsburg, MD

Our Congregation

The Orthodox Mission of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple (Entrance Mission) was established in November of 2010 by a small group of Orthodox Christians who left the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America to practice Traditional Orthodox Christianity. Our Antiminsion was received from Metropolitan JOHN (LoBue) in late November of 2010, and the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on November 28, 2010 (November 15 according to the Church Calendar). The Entrance Mission has recently moved back to its origninal space downtown Emmitsburg, MD at 306 West Main Street and is pastored by theRev. Fr. Elias Yelovich, previously of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. Fr. Elias was received as a priest of the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles via Cheirothesia (conditional ordination through the Laying on of Hands) on November 24, 2010, after requesting reception into the Metropolia. Glory to God for all things!

It is the goal of the priest and people of the Entrance Mission to bring Christ to the world by means of the Holy Tradition that has been handed down through the ages from our Master Jesus Christ to His Apostles, and from the Holy Apostles to the Bishops of the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church. We follow a traditional Orthodox life and attempt to follow the Holy Canons and customs of our faith according to the principles passed to us through Holy Tradition and maintained under the guidance and leadership of our Hierarch, Vladika JOHN, Metropolitan of North and South America and the British Isles. A brief history and directory are available online via the hyperlinks.

We are an Eastern Rite parish, conducting all of our Divine Services as directed in the Holy Canons in the language of the people, in our case English, and following the Ecclesiastical Calendar (Old Style Church calendar) without change. Above all, we seek, in the words of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians (5:1-2) to be imitators of God as beloved children and [to] walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

As priest and people, we seek to stand firm and without compromise for the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as to follow the witness of Holy Scripture, the writings of the Holy Fathers and the spiritual Tradition of the Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church. If you seek the Way of the ancient Church, the Way that leads to salvation by means of service to the Lord Jesus Christ through self-giving and love for God and neighbor, then you will be at home with us. Come, and be welcome!